Fighting corruption across the globe is an enormous challenge, yet that’s what motivates Derek Ricke, an Executive PhD student in the Daniels College of Business.
Thanks to funding from the Daniels Alumni Advisory Board (AAB), Ricke recently attended the International Anti-Corruption Conference in Washington, D.C. Experts from government, private and nonprofit institutions attend the biannual conference to discuss efforts in fighting corruption. Ricke shared his doctoral work with academic and industry professionals, increasing the likelihood that his research will be put to use in the real world.
The AAB established the Alumni Advisory Board Endowed Scholarship to provide professional development funds to Daniels students. Ricke is one of the first to receive the scholarship. Originally from Medicine Lodge, Kansas, he is a West Point graduate and an Army veteran with an MBA from UCLA and an associate degree in Mandarin. His PhD is focused on mitigating corporate corruption.
“I’m pursuing a PhD in business and looking to better understand corruption in the corporate environment and how firms can leverage the ideas of leadership, ethics and corporate culture to better prevent corruption within their own organization,” Ricke says.
In addition to scholarship funding for professional development opportunities, the AAB connects students with likeminded alumni who can help them in their careers.
“There is a group of alumni that stands as a support system for our students and wants them to succeed,” says AAB member David Cable (MBA ’06). “Beyond the tangible assistance of the scholarship, we want to give students the sense that they’re part of a bigger network.”
Advancing students’ career opportunities is a central element of DU’s 4D Experience. Each student’s 4D Experience is unique, providing opportunities for intellectual growth, character growth, increased well-being, and opportunities to pursue careers and lives of purpose.
“Through the AAB Scholarship, students can pursue career preparation opportunities that otherwise might not be open to them,” says Vivek Choudhury, dean of the Daniels College of Business. “I am grateful to the AAB for making these opportunities available to our students.”
During the scholarship’s first launch, 45 business students applied for funding. “Students like Derek Ricke aren’t an exception at Daniels, which is why we want to award AAB Scholarships to as many students as possible,” says Jackie Battista (MBA ’10), an AAB member who hopes to see the endowment grow.
